George[5] & I agreed on one point, viz. that Jemie would not mortify an old man[6] who offered him the good advice of his Experience, to keep out of debt! but Julia[7] had felt your want of respectful attention to her father, & it is lamented that your heedless habit, left an unfavorable impress. for George is sensitive of course to all that touches her sensibilities. Not only frankly confess your fault dear Jemie, but let this be a warning to you to think[,] you have ever been too impulsive, & too eager to express your opinions. dont you remember I tried to check this propensity & so did your dear father[8], it shocked him! he dreaded lest it might be misinterpreted, as conceit & self satisfaction. Some who admire your amiable qualities, have offered the remark, that you must have associated always with seniors, & the regret was it has induced a premature confidence in yourself. I fear some may judge you self sufficient! "A word to the wise[9] is sufficient" your nice discrimination I trust to & good feeling will be on your watch tower.

Jemie dear! I should have shivered in the severe frost of last week about your miserable apartment, but Cousin Donald[10] happened to mention he had told you to keep his room warm, I trust you did not invite any stranger to share it with you! I am afraid as you have no one to look after your domestic affairs [p. 2] the handsome satin-lined case for silver knife[,] spoon & fork had been safer in my keeping still & also that new dressing case! bring them to satisfy me! Send your soiled clothes soon. I have only two shirts, no callers [sic] or wrist bands to induce my sending yet per Express, tho mince paties[11] [sic] have been ready your sending for them a week or more! I must make a fresh supply now. I have not given you yet Emma Maingays[12] love, she begs you boys not to forget the names of your Vassili[13] friends. she wrote to report Sis[14] better tho yet too feeble to write Mother. You have another little nephew[15].

1. [15 January / February 1855]This letter probably comes after AMW's letter to JW, of 15 January 1855, which also mentions JW's 'miserable' rooms (#06450). JW resigned from the US Coast and Geodetical Survey on 12 February 1855, but remained in Washington for a couple of months; see Fleming, Gordon, The Young Whistler 1834-66, London, Boston, Sydney, 1978, p. 115, and AMW's letter to JW, 1 February 1855, #06451.